Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington DC

This basilica, the largest Roman Catholic church in the Western Hemisphere, was dedicated in 1959. The architecture of Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is a mix of Romanesque and Byzantine styles. The Great Upper Church boasts fantastic mosaics, stained glass windows and individual chapels. The lower level Crypt Church is smaller and darker, but equally impressive in atmosphere and ornamentation. The basilica has a bookstore, gift shop and cafeteria.